A carotid ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the carotid arteries. These arteries are located on each side of your neck and carry blood from your heart to your brain. The purpose of this procedure is to examine blood flow and identify any narrowing or blockages within these vessels, which could indicate a risk of stroke.
Preparing for Your Carotid Ultrasound
Before your carotid ultrasound appointment, you will receive specific instructions from your healthcare provider. It is advised to wear loose, comfortable clothing, especially a shirt that allows easy access to your neck. Avoid applying lotions, creams, or powders to your neck on the day of the exam, as these can interfere with the ultrasound gel and image clarity.
There are no dietary restrictions before a carotid ultrasound. Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, you can also continue to take any prescribed medications. Confirm any specific preparation guidelines with the facility or your healthcare provider.
Steps During the Ultrasound
Upon entering the room, you will be asked to lie down on an examination table. Your head will be positioned slightly tilted back and to the side, allowing the sonographer clear access to your neck. A warm, water-based gel will then be applied to your neck. This gel helps the ultrasound transducer, or probe, glide smoothly over your skin and ensures good contact for the sound waves.
The sonographer will then gently press the transducer against your neck, moving it slowly along the path of your carotid arteries. This probe emits high-frequency sound waves that bounce off your blood cells and artery walls, creating real-time images on a monitor. You might feel a slight pressure from the transducer, but the procedure is painless.
During the scan, you may hear “whooshing” or pulsing sounds, which are the amplified sounds of blood flowing through your arteries. These sounds help the sonographer assess the speed and direction of blood flow, identifying any areas of turbulent flow caused by narrowing. The entire procedure takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the findings.
What Happens After the Ultrasound
After the carotid ultrasound, the sonographer will wipe the ultrasound gel from your neck. There is no special recovery time needed, and you can resume your normal activities right away. You should not experience any lingering discomfort or side effects from the scan.
The images and data collected during your ultrasound will then be interpreted by a radiologist or other trained specialist. This specialist will analyze the blood flow patterns and look for any signs of plaque buildup, narrowing (stenosis), or other abnormalities in your carotid arteries. A detailed report of these findings will be prepared.
Your referring doctor will receive the results within a few days, often within 24 to 48 hours, depending on the facility. Your doctor will then discuss these results with you, explaining what they mean for your health and determining if any further evaluation or treatment is necessary. The results help inform decisions about managing vascular health and reducing stroke risk.